I won’t be winning gold medals anytime soon, but I’m still pumped up!
As the big day gets closer the stars are seeming to align. The weather will be around 43 degrees with lots of pure, unadulterated sunshine…mmmmm. Friends have donated time to cover the music, running routes, cupcakes, chinese phrases, and the after-party. I’m feeling rested and vibrantly enthusiastic (inside).
Five of the big activities are listed below. Anyone is welcome to join (especially strangers since I need to meet 24 of you!) - the more the merrier. Email me (adrian@adriansbirthdaychallenge.com) or send me a text message (812-989-7543) if you plan on joining the runs or bike ride so we know how many to expect before taking off. I will do my best to start all the activities on time. The pace will be moderate (between 9-10 min/mi running & 13-15 mph avg biking).
Activities for Saturday, January 17th:
Morning Run - ~8 miles
Start Time: 7:30am
Location: Greenway Parking Lot on Sloan Road - Click here for map and directions
Route: Click here for route
One of my favorite running routes, this course will start in the Greenway parking lot off of Sloan Rd. (also known as Cherokee Rd. and fed by Westlawn Dr.) will pass through some historic neighborhoods before turning onto West End Ave for a great stretch of sunrise running. After turning right on Elmington Ave. we will wind our way towards Harris Teeter on 21st Ave & Blair Blvd then head back to take in a breathtaking view of Nashville after a tough but short climb up Love Hill during mile 4. The route then crosses back over West End Ave and passes through upcoming Sylvan Heights Neighborhood before turning onto Murphy Rd. (46th Ave) and heading back to the starting point. This is a great way to start your day! I’m planning for the route to take about 1h 20min.
Bike Ride - 24 miles
Start Time: 10:00am
Location: Greenway Parking Lot on Sloan Road - Click here for map and directions
Route: Click here for the route
The bike ride will cover just over 24 miles starting at the Greenway parking lot off of Sloan Rd. (also known as Cherokee Rd. and fed by Westlawn Dr.). The route will head out Cherokee Rd. onto West End Ave for a brief mile (there will be a little traffic, but there’s a decent shoulder), then turn left onto beautiful Belle Meade Blvd. 2.5 miles later the route will enter Percy Warner Park for the brief but scenic 1 mile loop and overlook followed by a fun-filled descent. Next, it turns right onto Page Rd. and rides along the boundary of the park (might see a few deer) for a few miles - then a turnaround back to Belle Meade Blvd. for an up and back and up loop. The route exits Belle Meade Blvd onto West End Ave then makes a quick left onto Hillwood Drive. This off-piste section will take us to the Greenway entrance on Whitebridge Rd. The route follows the scenic and quiet greenway for a peaceful 2 miles along the McCabe Golf Course, exits onto Nevada Ave, then follows the bike lane on Murphy Rd. until turning right onto Greenway Ave. The final two miles are in the Historic Richland/West End Neighborhood lined with some beautiful old homes and lots of trees. It will end where we started.
Climbing - 24 bouldering problems
Start Time: 12:30pm
Location: Climb Nashville - map
Plan: I’m planning on spending about 1.5 hours in the climbing gym doing bouldering problems and the necessary pullups. You’re welcome to join, but just note that it costs $14 for a day pass for non-members. (It’s a fun place, but I’d recommend saving the $14 until you have more time to spend there. If you’ve never tried rock climbing, you should try it at some point this year - it’s a blast.)
Frisbee Throwing - lots of disc!
Start time: 2:30pm - 3:30 pm
Location: Centennial Park at the Statue on 27th Ave N. - map
Come out and join for a frisbee throw around. Not sure how many people will be there. Lasts about an hour or so - then the final run starts at 4pm.
Afternoon Run - A hair over 7 miles
Start time: 4:00pm
Location: Centennial Park at the Statue on 27th Ave N. - Click here for map and directions
Route: Special thanks to Sam Davidson of CoolPeopleCare for putting together this route & description. It’s going to be a treat - This urban course will take runners from Centennial Park down West End and Broadway before heading to the Nashville Rescue Mission, the beneficiary of Adrian’s Birthday Challenge. After a brief picture in front of the mission, the run will head towards downtown, cross the Cumberland River and runners will enjoy a victory lap around the home field of the Titans - LP Field. Then, after crossing the Shelby Street pedestrian bridge, you’ll be able to take a look at the new symphony center, a few honky tonks, and more historic Nashville sites until we all end up back where we started.
Actually, I’m tired just from writing that…
Get a good night sleep the night before and don’t forget to hydrate. I look forward to seeing some of you on Saturday.
